The inevitable finally happened today, Senator Rick Santorum suspended his bid in the republican presidential primary. Whether you supported him or not, you have to give it to him for coming so far while polling at 1% a week before Iowa.
For a while I was a big supporter of Santorum and even gave my first political donation to his campaign. After a while that waned as he showed some significant challenges. So then I joined the Ron Paul bandwagon. I had some problems with him as well, but I respect his consistency. After watching a debate where he seemed wobbly on whether the morning after pill (which may be responsible for many more murders that all other types of abortion put together) should be illegal I had to pull my support.
So now here we are with Mitt Romney as the presumed nominee. I know many dear friends that will continue shouting Ron Paul from the top of the lungs until November (spamming and annoying others to the point that they refuse to even consider Paul) but rationally speaking that is over.
I'm left with quite the predicament. I consider the Obama administration one of the most tyrannical in the history of this nation. President Obama has helped wage class and race wars since taking office. So it makes perfect sense to then vote for the person most likely to defeat him right?
A year ago I would have said yes straight away, but now I'm not so sure. It's not that I think the answer is no, but probably for the first time in my life I want to really weigh out my options before checking beside the “R.”
If I compare Romney side by side with Obama then Romney wins hands down, but if I compare him to the Bible then he fails miserably.
In no way do I believe that one must be perfect to vote for them, but I think their may be some realistic standards we should hold.
The real challenge we have in setting such a standard is that an elected government official is not spoken of in the Bible. Scripture gives many exhortations for appointing elders and deacons but is pretty silent on officials elected by the people. There are no governmental democracies or republics spoken of in Scripture (yes, Rome was a republic, but that aspect is not spoken of in Scripture).
So then what can we look to for guidance? Well I think there are certain areas of Scripture we can look at for idea. Ultimately I would say that whomever one votes for is not a matter of sin, but rather wisdom. So if a friend votes for Barack Obama, I don't believe he is sinning to do so, but he may be foolish in doing so (just as I may be for voting for Mitt Romney).
We know all authority is ultimately given by God. That means whomever is elected is truly in God's power. We can also understand that we have a unique responsibility to take part in that, but after it is all said and done elections fall just as God's sovereign will proclaimed that they would.
We also know that just because it is part of God's sovereign will that it doesn't necessarily fall under his moral will. God put many evil kings in place for a time over Israel and Judea to discipline His people, but His true desire was always for their repentance.
With all of that said here are some of my big hesitations with voting for Romney.
1. Inconsistency on issues.
I would rather support a man I disagreed with on issues than a man I can't figure out his stance. At least then I know where to stand guard. With Romney you just don't know what you're getting.
"What you are in public will never blind God to what you are in private." - John Blanchard
2. Romneycare
I have no idea how he side stepped this during the primaries. The majority of the nation was furious over the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) but yet we just welcome in the architect of the idea. Sure, what is allowable on a state level is different than a national level, but socialism is socialism no matter the scale.
3. The complacency of Christians when a republican is in office.
I'm not a Bush hater. I respect many things about the man, but he greatly expanded government's role and deficit during his tenure. When someone with an “R” by their name is in office Christians tend to stop paying attention to what is going on and blindly support whatever they say. This leads to bills like the Patriot Act and No Child Left Behind passing with nary an objection. With Obama in office many more are alert and with a Republican congress it is hard for him to achieve much.
4. Do we really want 8 years of Romney?
Four more years of Obama is pretty bad, but if we elect Romeny that is at least eight more years before we have the chance to elect a great leader.
5. Can I really prop up Mormonism?
I'm sure some will consider this bigotry, but since it's founding Mormonism has been considered a cult. They have so many heretical doctrines I won't even try to talk about them, but they absolutely are not Christians (something Joseph Smith used to state emphatically). Can I really vote for a cultist in good conscience? Does that not make the cult more main-stream and possibly lead people away from the one true God? I love freedom, but freedom is found in truth. That is something neither of the main candidates understand.
6. Has voting for a mediocre candidate really achieved anything?
It so often seems like we come back to voting for the “lesser of two evils.” Every time we vote it seems we're just holding our nose and keeping the vomit down as we select a candidate we don't really want. Don't you ever just get tired of it? Our society just keeps sliding down hill and instead of saying “I stand with a righteous man to rebuild the foundation” we say “at least we only fell a couple feet this year.” Is this really what I want to do all my life? Check beside the lesser demon?
Considering those objections what then are my options?
Abstain from voting for president.
I could just decide not to even bother voting for the office of president. Millions around the country do it every four years. Yet, I truly believe in the responsibility of the republic to be counted. So I don't think this is a great option.
2. Vote for a third party or write-in candidate.
Many consider this the same as not voting or even voting for Obama. I don't see it that way. Sure, a third party candidate is very unlikely to win, but a strong third party candidate in one election can lead to a great opportunity in the next. Maybe if we stood behind a godly man this election, though he may lose, we will have a great opportunity in the next election. Perhaps.
3. Hold my nose and vote for Romney.
I may end up doing this, but as of now I truly feel as though it would simply seer my own conscience to do so.
Conclusion:
I still don't know where I fall on any of this. I don't think either option fits into the scope of God's revealed will, but most likely one will be our president for the next four years. It could happen that God miraculous save either or both of these men and draw them to true repentance. It could even happen that a strong third party candidate does win. I have a feeling both of these would come as a result of a national repentance, so amen to that idea.
I certainly have to definitive answers right now, but I'm happy to at least think about these things. I know many will disagree with me on these issues and will hold to ABO “anyone but Obama” and I understand that. I'm surprised I'm not in that mindset myself. But instead of just being against Obama I'd rather stand for something and I think that something is found in the someone of Jesus Christ. I can't guarantee I'll make the perfect decision in voting, but I know that keeping my eyes on Him instead of the letter beside someone's name as I once did will bring Him much more glory.
To God be the Glory,
Jason Vaughn
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Beyond Acceptance
Had the privilege of working with the creators of this film last week. Thought I would share their trailer. I encourage you to check it out!
http://push.beyondacceptance.com/share/trailer?id=035jv
http://push.beyondacceptance.com/share/trailer?id=035jv
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Ron Paul and Homosexuality
With a another presidential election year upon us the informed public will once again begin to debate a myriad of issues from war to welfare to apparently contraception though how that topic made it to a national debate seems questionable.
One topic that will be in many circles is homosexuality. One candidate above any other seems to be a sticking point in that debate is Congressman Ron Paul of Texas.
Ron Paul, who claims to be and seems to be by many accounts a conservative evangelical Christian is a center of this debate because his stance seems a bit hard to nail down. He has said he believes “Don't Ask, Don't Tell” was a fair military policy though he has no interest in reinstating it as president, he believes states can vote to allow or ban homosexual marriage and does not support a marriage amendment to the constitution, and he doesn't believe other states must recognize those marriages.
For a republican candidate he seems to have gained quite a bit of support from the homosexual community (thought there is quite a bit of hatred thrown at him as well) and is supported by a strict conservative Christian homeschool community as well. It truly is an odd coalition.
Beyond those aspects what makes Paul even more controversial on this issue is that according to an interview in 2007 Paul alluded to the idea that he believes homosexual persons are born gay and that while he understands many people call homosexuality a sin he is not willing to, nor would he say that God calls it a sin.
From the interview it seems Paul's main point about homosexuality was it was more complicated than a simple yes or no.
For this reason many Christian conservatives have stated they cannot support Paul.
In this post I'd like to take the time to briefly explain why he is right and wrong in his stance.
Paul is really making 2 statements about this. First that people are born homosexual and second that because of this homosexuality is not a sin.
I want to look at them separately. The first question would then be is homosexuality nature, nurture, or a choice people make? I would like to make the argument that it is a combination of nature the environment one is raised in.
I understand many people will disagree with me on this, but please hear me out.
Ask any homosexual person whether they were born gay or not and you will generally get a definitive yes. Most people don't want to be outcasts or go through discrimination often from friends and family. It makes no logical sense to say someone would choose to be gay. There are some instances I've seen where a teenager will take on a flamboyant persona purely to gain attention and with shows like Glee making Coming Out the “in” thing we may see more teens doing it, but historical this is not the case.
Many homosexuals admit to these feelings from a very young age at the same moment their peers are becoming attracted to the opposite sex.
More importantly, the Bible seems to say this as well. We were all born in sin, and even conceived in inequity. From the moment of our conception to birth we are in rebellion to God according to Scripture. This has effected the whole earth as it groans and is fallen. If you need proof that sin effects our body then consider the effects of gluttony and slothfulness. Sins which I have committed and the effects are clear. We have this lie indoctrinated that we were born perfect, but the Bible tells us just the opposite.
So yes, I do believe it is part of the nature a person is born with at least the tendency is there. This is also in combination often with the environment someone with these tendencies is raised in.
There seem to be three factors that play into this as well.
1) Sexual abuse. I've never met a homosexual lady that at some point wasn't sexually. Sadly, this is often by a relative or family friend. This is also the case for many gay men.
2) An early introduction to pornography. As the ease and access of porn grows this is an increasing problem as it brings young minds to sexual thoughts and images their body and brains are simply not ready to handle.
3) And the greatest environmental factor is often a dysfunctional or non-existent presence of a father in their lives. So they never see what healthy normal relationships should look like they seek out someone else to fill that. They try to love the love of other men of flee men completely.
So considering those environmental factors it is no wonder we have such a prominent rise of homosexuality.
So to Dr. Paul's first point that homosexual persons are born that way we can agree, but does that mean that mean homosexuality is not a sin?
No! I tell you emphatically no! Why do I say this? Because homosexuality nor any other sin has ever been a sin because of biology. It is a sin because a holy creator God has declared it to be so.
Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.
(1Co 6:9-10)
The Bible is clear, not only here but in other places that homosexual practice is sinful.
There are all kinds of practices that the New Testament condemns that modern science has found a biological aspect too from excessive gambling to alcoholism. Murderers have even been show to high elevated testosterone levels.
This is where Dr. Paul gets it wrong. He talks homosexuality as though if people are born that way it is an automatic excuse.
Straight men are born with a broken sexuality as well that causes them to sin in lust, but we don't accept it as normal for married men to commit adultery.
A broken world does not give us reason to believe the Bible is wrong, but to believe it is right. That this world is effected by sin and in need of a savior.
I truly hope Dr. Paul and others will see that and base their beliefs on the Bible, and not experience. Only one is perfect and unchanging.
Until then Conservative, Bible believing Christians will each have to make a decision of consciousness whether they can support Ron Paul for president. Personally, with the choices before I have decided I can and will pray he change his mind on this and other issues I disagree with him concerning.
But beyond politics there is something each of us must consider. 1 Cor 6: 9-10 tells us the first part of the story, but it is the next verse that truly changes everything!
And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.
(1Co 6:11)
This is the promise of the gospel of Jesus Christ! No matter who you are, or what sins you've committed the Jesus Christ, fully God and fully man took the punishment for all those who repent, turn from their sin and trust in Him.
Whether you're a homosexual person, or a heterosexual person you were born in sin and have broken God's law, but Christ is your way out from under the judgment of God.
Repenting and trusting in Christ doesn't mean you won't sin,but it does mean God has given you a new heart and this is one that longs after Him.
It's not about being straight or even being good, but about trusting in Christ. He alone is worthy.
One topic that will be in many circles is homosexuality. One candidate above any other seems to be a sticking point in that debate is Congressman Ron Paul of Texas.
Ron Paul, who claims to be and seems to be by many accounts a conservative evangelical Christian is a center of this debate because his stance seems a bit hard to nail down. He has said he believes “Don't Ask, Don't Tell” was a fair military policy though he has no interest in reinstating it as president, he believes states can vote to allow or ban homosexual marriage and does not support a marriage amendment to the constitution, and he doesn't believe other states must recognize those marriages.
For a republican candidate he seems to have gained quite a bit of support from the homosexual community (thought there is quite a bit of hatred thrown at him as well) and is supported by a strict conservative Christian homeschool community as well. It truly is an odd coalition.
Beyond those aspects what makes Paul even more controversial on this issue is that according to an interview in 2007 Paul alluded to the idea that he believes homosexual persons are born gay and that while he understands many people call homosexuality a sin he is not willing to, nor would he say that God calls it a sin.
From the interview it seems Paul's main point about homosexuality was it was more complicated than a simple yes or no.
For this reason many Christian conservatives have stated they cannot support Paul.
In this post I'd like to take the time to briefly explain why he is right and wrong in his stance.
Paul is really making 2 statements about this. First that people are born homosexual and second that because of this homosexuality is not a sin.
I want to look at them separately. The first question would then be is homosexuality nature, nurture, or a choice people make? I would like to make the argument that it is a combination of nature the environment one is raised in.
I understand many people will disagree with me on this, but please hear me out.
Ask any homosexual person whether they were born gay or not and you will generally get a definitive yes. Most people don't want to be outcasts or go through discrimination often from friends and family. It makes no logical sense to say someone would choose to be gay. There are some instances I've seen where a teenager will take on a flamboyant persona purely to gain attention and with shows like Glee making Coming Out the “in” thing we may see more teens doing it, but historical this is not the case.
Many homosexuals admit to these feelings from a very young age at the same moment their peers are becoming attracted to the opposite sex.
More importantly, the Bible seems to say this as well. We were all born in sin, and even conceived in inequity. From the moment of our conception to birth we are in rebellion to God according to Scripture. This has effected the whole earth as it groans and is fallen. If you need proof that sin effects our body then consider the effects of gluttony and slothfulness. Sins which I have committed and the effects are clear. We have this lie indoctrinated that we were born perfect, but the Bible tells us just the opposite.
So yes, I do believe it is part of the nature a person is born with at least the tendency is there. This is also in combination often with the environment someone with these tendencies is raised in.
There seem to be three factors that play into this as well.
1) Sexual abuse. I've never met a homosexual lady that at some point wasn't sexually. Sadly, this is often by a relative or family friend. This is also the case for many gay men.
2) An early introduction to pornography. As the ease and access of porn grows this is an increasing problem as it brings young minds to sexual thoughts and images their body and brains are simply not ready to handle.
3) And the greatest environmental factor is often a dysfunctional or non-existent presence of a father in their lives. So they never see what healthy normal relationships should look like they seek out someone else to fill that. They try to love the love of other men of flee men completely.
So considering those environmental factors it is no wonder we have such a prominent rise of homosexuality.
So to Dr. Paul's first point that homosexual persons are born that way we can agree, but does that mean that mean homosexuality is not a sin?
No! I tell you emphatically no! Why do I say this? Because homosexuality nor any other sin has ever been a sin because of biology. It is a sin because a holy creator God has declared it to be so.
Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.
(1Co 6:9-10)
The Bible is clear, not only here but in other places that homosexual practice is sinful.
There are all kinds of practices that the New Testament condemns that modern science has found a biological aspect too from excessive gambling to alcoholism. Murderers have even been show to high elevated testosterone levels.
This is where Dr. Paul gets it wrong. He talks homosexuality as though if people are born that way it is an automatic excuse.
Straight men are born with a broken sexuality as well that causes them to sin in lust, but we don't accept it as normal for married men to commit adultery.
A broken world does not give us reason to believe the Bible is wrong, but to believe it is right. That this world is effected by sin and in need of a savior.
I truly hope Dr. Paul and others will see that and base their beliefs on the Bible, and not experience. Only one is perfect and unchanging.
Until then Conservative, Bible believing Christians will each have to make a decision of consciousness whether they can support Ron Paul for president. Personally, with the choices before I have decided I can and will pray he change his mind on this and other issues I disagree with him concerning.
But beyond politics there is something each of us must consider. 1 Cor 6: 9-10 tells us the first part of the story, but it is the next verse that truly changes everything!
And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.
(1Co 6:11)
This is the promise of the gospel of Jesus Christ! No matter who you are, or what sins you've committed the Jesus Christ, fully God and fully man took the punishment for all those who repent, turn from their sin and trust in Him.
Whether you're a homosexual person, or a heterosexual person you were born in sin and have broken God's law, but Christ is your way out from under the judgment of God.
Repenting and trusting in Christ doesn't mean you won't sin,but it does mean God has given you a new heart and this is one that longs after Him.
It's not about being straight or even being good, but about trusting in Christ. He alone is worthy.
Monday, October 24, 2011
Why Occupy Wall Street will Build Up Corporate America!
The Occupy Wall Street group has now been at it for about a month. While no one can really tell what is motivating each individual, the general sense is that they are anti-corporatism. Some are anti-capitalism, but I think that is the fringe of the movement.
I get that. I'm not big on the control that corporate America has either. While I shop at Wal-Mart from time to time I'd much rather visit a small retail shop or even small online business. The difference is I think the ay to make the changes is by the people making the decisions and not the government. It makes perfect sense for the CEO of Goldman Sachs to make $16,000/hr while a minimum wage worker makes $16,000/yr because the CEO of Goldman Sachs creates much more value and has infinitely more responsibility than a minimum wage employee.
Ultimately though I think Occupy Wall Street will only help build up Corporatism if they are successful. The reason is the only way they seem to be promoting their agenda is through government intervention. Parties that believe government is the way to make change are staunchly supporting these people (i.e. Labor Unions, Nazi Party, Obama, Pelosi, Michael Moore, The Socialist Party, and the Communist Party).
So if this is what the people believe will bring about their “utopia” then they will vote and encourage others to vote for democrats and other leftist parties. This will ultimately do the the opposite of what they desire.
Democrats have bailed out Wall Street and corporations time after time when they are in power because they believe they are too big to fail.
Also, they have imposed regulation upon regulation on businesses. While many may think this will hurt large companies it does the complete opposite. Large corporations quickly become the only ones with the resources to follow these regulations leading them to consolidate even more power. Or like in the case of Obamacare they are able to buy off people and opt out of these profit crushing regulations while it continues to keep small businesses from hiring employees because of the additional costs.
This vicious cycle that the left has people believing about being “for the little guy” is what has built up corporate America in the first place.
So if not government then what is the solution to helping end corporate influence?
Here are several ideas that should be considered:
1) Remember that where you spend money is where you vote. Many times large companies are the only option, but when possible try to support the small family business. Things like fresh eggs, crafts, vegetables, and other items can be found at the local farmer's market and many more items can be purchased from small online businesses all at reasonable prices. Locally owned restaurants (including local franchises) and service companies are great places to support as well.
2) Thank business owners when you visit their shop or use their service. Most have taken great risk to build up something they believe will meet your needs and desires.
3) Vote for deregulation and politicians that will deregulate whenever possible. When these barriers are removed many small business will finally be able to compete.
4) Encourage your friends and family that have been out of work for a while to start a small business of their own. Many great companies today were created in dire economic times and there are many businesses that can be started with very little money, especially service businesses (I recently read about professional pooper-scoopers that make 6 figures cleaning peoples yards).
5) Consider starting your own business on the side. Build something as a family that can help you and your community. It is a great way to train up your children for the future and it can be something to fall back on should you lose your job.
There are other ways to hinder the influence of corporations, but these are a few ways to get started that will not only limit their influence, but will also support innovation and the local economy.
If you truly ant to make a difference in your community and your country then don't fool yourself into thinking it is as simple as voting for the government to do it or that holding a sign and being angry will change things. Whether you're party of the Tea Party or Occupy Wall Street you have to realize that true revolution comes from hard work. You must create something and not just wish to destroy something.
It is time to make changes in this country. It is time to stand up and let your voice be heard. So get out there and start building up your family and your neighbor. Create something that coming generations can inherit and be proud of. Remember that liberty isn't a promise of prosperity, but it is the opportunity that the bum on the street can lift himself up with the help and love of those around him and become the leader of a family, a community, and even a nation. That is a thought worth occupying.
I get that. I'm not big on the control that corporate America has either. While I shop at Wal-Mart from time to time I'd much rather visit a small retail shop or even small online business. The difference is I think the ay to make the changes is by the people making the decisions and not the government. It makes perfect sense for the CEO of Goldman Sachs to make $16,000/hr while a minimum wage worker makes $16,000/yr because the CEO of Goldman Sachs creates much more value and has infinitely more responsibility than a minimum wage employee.
Ultimately though I think Occupy Wall Street will only help build up Corporatism if they are successful. The reason is the only way they seem to be promoting their agenda is through government intervention. Parties that believe government is the way to make change are staunchly supporting these people (i.e. Labor Unions, Nazi Party, Obama, Pelosi, Michael Moore, The Socialist Party, and the Communist Party).
So if this is what the people believe will bring about their “utopia” then they will vote and encourage others to vote for democrats and other leftist parties. This will ultimately do the the opposite of what they desire.
Democrats have bailed out Wall Street and corporations time after time when they are in power because they believe they are too big to fail.
Also, they have imposed regulation upon regulation on businesses. While many may think this will hurt large companies it does the complete opposite. Large corporations quickly become the only ones with the resources to follow these regulations leading them to consolidate even more power. Or like in the case of Obamacare they are able to buy off people and opt out of these profit crushing regulations while it continues to keep small businesses from hiring employees because of the additional costs.
This vicious cycle that the left has people believing about being “for the little guy” is what has built up corporate America in the first place.
So if not government then what is the solution to helping end corporate influence?
Here are several ideas that should be considered:
1) Remember that where you spend money is where you vote. Many times large companies are the only option, but when possible try to support the small family business. Things like fresh eggs, crafts, vegetables, and other items can be found at the local farmer's market and many more items can be purchased from small online businesses all at reasonable prices. Locally owned restaurants (including local franchises) and service companies are great places to support as well.
2) Thank business owners when you visit their shop or use their service. Most have taken great risk to build up something they believe will meet your needs and desires.
3) Vote for deregulation and politicians that will deregulate whenever possible. When these barriers are removed many small business will finally be able to compete.
4) Encourage your friends and family that have been out of work for a while to start a small business of their own. Many great companies today were created in dire economic times and there are many businesses that can be started with very little money, especially service businesses (I recently read about professional pooper-scoopers that make 6 figures cleaning peoples yards).
5) Consider starting your own business on the side. Build something as a family that can help you and your community. It is a great way to train up your children for the future and it can be something to fall back on should you lose your job.
There are other ways to hinder the influence of corporations, but these are a few ways to get started that will not only limit their influence, but will also support innovation and the local economy.
If you truly ant to make a difference in your community and your country then don't fool yourself into thinking it is as simple as voting for the government to do it or that holding a sign and being angry will change things. Whether you're party of the Tea Party or Occupy Wall Street you have to realize that true revolution comes from hard work. You must create something and not just wish to destroy something.
It is time to make changes in this country. It is time to stand up and let your voice be heard. So get out there and start building up your family and your neighbor. Create something that coming generations can inherit and be proud of. Remember that liberty isn't a promise of prosperity, but it is the opportunity that the bum on the street can lift himself up with the help and love of those around him and become the leader of a family, a community, and even a nation. That is a thought worth occupying.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Lessons from a Cancer Scare
Two weeks ago I finally went to see an ENT (Ear, Nose, & Throat Doctor) about a growth I've had on my neck for about eight months.
I had been to another family practice doctor several months back and been told that it was probably a thyroid issue because my blood tests came back that I had a VERY under-active thyroid. I thought was either something that would either go away or that I would need medicine for that I simply couldn't afford. While I noticed it and was slightly concerned about it on a daily basis I wasn't concerned enough to really seek out assistance. It is kinda like the story of the dog on the porch that howled in pain because he was laying on a nail, but it didn't hurt enough to actually move.
Well I finally decided to go to the doctor since I had some minor insurance (really terrible, but better than nothing) begin. The ENT was quickly able to see me the next day and I was happy and anxious to finally get down to the bottom of the growth.
The doctor quickly made an initial assessment that I might have an enlarged salvatory gland or a stone, but after telling him the length of time I had it he changed his opinion.
After another brief examination of it and some questions he stated that “options 1,2,3, & 4” were that it as Hodgkin's lymphoma aka cancer.
I'm not really certain how I reacted at the time. I think I made a joke about chemo being a great weight loss drug, but I do remember a slight breakdown on the road home.
Since my insurance is so bad he referred me to a financial assistance clinic and I made an appointment for two weeks later.
I let everyone know about the news and was grateful for the sympathy and prayers. My mother of course cried and freaked out as mothers do.
I think the most difficult part, besides the waiting, was having almost every person you met tell me how I could avoid or beat cancer. I love the heart to help, but while I know many alternatives are great ultimately I believe in trusting God to guide to doctors He would send so I would politely nod and gather information.
I briefly researched Hodgkin's and discovered that it was every curable with an extremely high survival rate. I was honestly more concerned about the cost and the chemo and radiation than the actual cancer.
After two grueling weeks of waiting I finally had my appointment yesterday with the ENT clinic to which I was referred. I was immensely thankful that my brother in Christ, Matt Walton, was kind enough to drive me and stay with me. I hate waiting rooms. You're called a patient in a hospital for a reason because beyond any other test they'll have for you, the one you can count on is testing your patience.
Eventually the doctor saw me and gave me an examination. The first test she did was to stick a very long light and camera down my nasal cavity. She relax my throat, but what an extremely odd sensation. It made me think of the Magic School Bus for some reason.
The results were clear. I asked if I could keep the deep voice so I wouldn't be called ma'am at the drive thru but it wore off. The bitter taste stay for quite a while.
Then she ordered a FNA (fine needle biopsy) and I waited on them for about thirty minutes. I don't know why, but the idea of a FNA biopsy team made me think of ghostbusters and strangely enough four of them showed up to stick needles in my face. They gathered cell sample to test the growth. I don't know if this is what acupuncture is like, but if so I think I'll pass. After the fourth needle I was starting to feel like Hellraiser.
While waiting on the preliminary results I had to go have a blood sample drawn and schedule a CT scan that I'll have next week.
When I made it back to the clinic from the blood lab they had the preliminary results from the biopsy...
It isn't cancer!
According to the results and symptoms they believe it is just a benign tumor that can easily be removed through surgery. I was and am ecstatic! I still have a couple more tests, but great relief washed over me with that news.
After leaving the clinic I started making the calls to let everyone know the results. What great fun it was to deliver that news! My mom of course cried again, but this time it was with great joy, my dad gave me a hard time for scaring him, and many others cheered with praise to God.
So while I must still wait to have it removed I went around yesterday with a great smile on face and so much joy. I even announced it several times as I wen to a few places which must have been odd for them, but I sure was enjoying it.
I'm sure it is a rare thing for people to react to the news they have a tumor, but compared to what it could have been I welcome the tumor like an old friend (one I'll be happy to see leave of course).
I even went about singing “I have a tumor” at times throughout the afternoon.
I share this with you, not just to tell you of this great news, but to share with you a lesson I was reminded of through this experience: Always give the bad news first.
Learning I have a tumor is a great blessing because what I thought I had was so much worse. The same thing may be applied to sharing the gospel.
When we share the message of Christ the only way it can be great news is if they understand the bad news. Unlike the bad news of my cancer, the bad news of the gospel is completely true and that is that all of us are sinners and we are separated from a Holy God and are under His wrath.
We all deserve Hell. We all have lied, cheated, stolen, lusted, and committed a number of other sins against the law and character of our perfect and Holy God.
That is the bad news. It is absolutely true and unless you fully understand that you are a great offense to God then the good news is worthless.
But if you understand that you a sinner and deserve Hell then the news of the cross is eternally joyful. The only way that God sending Christ to be crucified and to take upon Himself the wrath we deserve is to understand your standing with God outside of Christ.
Christian, whatever you happens you must never share the love of God without properly explaining the holiness of God and His hatred of sin.
The gospel is meaningless unless God is holy and must punish sinners. The horror of Hell magnifies the beauty of Heaven.
Not only is important to understand for the one outside of Christ to know His glory, but also for the Christian to be reminded so they know the need to share the gospel.
If those outside of Christ were to simply die and end then missing the gospel is sad, but if we understand that they are headed for wrath and judgment then it will lead us on in proclaiming the gospel message.
Remember this as you face the bad news in your own life and how much sweeter the good news becomes.
I had been to another family practice doctor several months back and been told that it was probably a thyroid issue because my blood tests came back that I had a VERY under-active thyroid. I thought was either something that would either go away or that I would need medicine for that I simply couldn't afford. While I noticed it and was slightly concerned about it on a daily basis I wasn't concerned enough to really seek out assistance. It is kinda like the story of the dog on the porch that howled in pain because he was laying on a nail, but it didn't hurt enough to actually move.
Well I finally decided to go to the doctor since I had some minor insurance (really terrible, but better than nothing) begin. The ENT was quickly able to see me the next day and I was happy and anxious to finally get down to the bottom of the growth.
The doctor quickly made an initial assessment that I might have an enlarged salvatory gland or a stone, but after telling him the length of time I had it he changed his opinion.
After another brief examination of it and some questions he stated that “options 1,2,3, & 4” were that it as Hodgkin's lymphoma aka cancer.
I'm not really certain how I reacted at the time. I think I made a joke about chemo being a great weight loss drug, but I do remember a slight breakdown on the road home.
Since my insurance is so bad he referred me to a financial assistance clinic and I made an appointment for two weeks later.
I let everyone know about the news and was grateful for the sympathy and prayers. My mother of course cried and freaked out as mothers do.
I think the most difficult part, besides the waiting, was having almost every person you met tell me how I could avoid or beat cancer. I love the heart to help, but while I know many alternatives are great ultimately I believe in trusting God to guide to doctors He would send so I would politely nod and gather information.
I briefly researched Hodgkin's and discovered that it was every curable with an extremely high survival rate. I was honestly more concerned about the cost and the chemo and radiation than the actual cancer.
After two grueling weeks of waiting I finally had my appointment yesterday with the ENT clinic to which I was referred. I was immensely thankful that my brother in Christ, Matt Walton, was kind enough to drive me and stay with me. I hate waiting rooms. You're called a patient in a hospital for a reason because beyond any other test they'll have for you, the one you can count on is testing your patience.
Eventually the doctor saw me and gave me an examination. The first test she did was to stick a very long light and camera down my nasal cavity. She relax my throat, but what an extremely odd sensation. It made me think of the Magic School Bus for some reason.
The results were clear. I asked if I could keep the deep voice so I wouldn't be called ma'am at the drive thru but it wore off. The bitter taste stay for quite a while.
Then she ordered a FNA (fine needle biopsy) and I waited on them for about thirty minutes. I don't know why, but the idea of a FNA biopsy team made me think of ghostbusters and strangely enough four of them showed up to stick needles in my face. They gathered cell sample to test the growth. I don't know if this is what acupuncture is like, but if so I think I'll pass. After the fourth needle I was starting to feel like Hellraiser.
While waiting on the preliminary results I had to go have a blood sample drawn and schedule a CT scan that I'll have next week.
When I made it back to the clinic from the blood lab they had the preliminary results from the biopsy...
It isn't cancer!
According to the results and symptoms they believe it is just a benign tumor that can easily be removed through surgery. I was and am ecstatic! I still have a couple more tests, but great relief washed over me with that news.
After leaving the clinic I started making the calls to let everyone know the results. What great fun it was to deliver that news! My mom of course cried again, but this time it was with great joy, my dad gave me a hard time for scaring him, and many others cheered with praise to God.
So while I must still wait to have it removed I went around yesterday with a great smile on face and so much joy. I even announced it several times as I wen to a few places which must have been odd for them, but I sure was enjoying it.
I'm sure it is a rare thing for people to react to the news they have a tumor, but compared to what it could have been I welcome the tumor like an old friend (one I'll be happy to see leave of course).
I even went about singing “I have a tumor” at times throughout the afternoon.
I share this with you, not just to tell you of this great news, but to share with you a lesson I was reminded of through this experience: Always give the bad news first.
Learning I have a tumor is a great blessing because what I thought I had was so much worse. The same thing may be applied to sharing the gospel.
When we share the message of Christ the only way it can be great news is if they understand the bad news. Unlike the bad news of my cancer, the bad news of the gospel is completely true and that is that all of us are sinners and we are separated from a Holy God and are under His wrath.
We all deserve Hell. We all have lied, cheated, stolen, lusted, and committed a number of other sins against the law and character of our perfect and Holy God.
That is the bad news. It is absolutely true and unless you fully understand that you are a great offense to God then the good news is worthless.
But if you understand that you a sinner and deserve Hell then the news of the cross is eternally joyful. The only way that God sending Christ to be crucified and to take upon Himself the wrath we deserve is to understand your standing with God outside of Christ.
Christian, whatever you happens you must never share the love of God without properly explaining the holiness of God and His hatred of sin.
The gospel is meaningless unless God is holy and must punish sinners. The horror of Hell magnifies the beauty of Heaven.
Not only is important to understand for the one outside of Christ to know His glory, but also for the Christian to be reminded so they know the need to share the gospel.
If those outside of Christ were to simply die and end then missing the gospel is sad, but if we understand that they are headed for wrath and judgment then it will lead us on in proclaiming the gospel message.
Remember this as you face the bad news in your own life and how much sweeter the good news becomes.
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Respectable or Respected: An exhortation for the testimony of the saints and the glory of God
Is the your local church respected or just respectable? Let me give you the distinction I'm making here.
For the church to be respected by the world it must be honest. It must be open that it is full of sinners and hypocrites that are there by the grace of God and not just because they're white suburbanites. The world may not like the church, but it should be able to look at and respect it.
For the church to simply be respectable it can continue to do what it is already doing. Folks should come in their nice clothes, sing a few slow hymns, smile and say hello, and then leave to take care of their lawns.
Unfortunately, I think we all have a tendency to lean toward being respectable rather than respected. It is just so much easier to look the part isn't it? What does it cost you? Maybe a couple hundred dollars for a nice suit.
But to truly be honest with the world about who you really are can cost you everything. To be open about your porn addiction (and not in just a “all guys struggle with lust” way), to be honest about your anger, or your pride, or your laziness, or gluttony, to be truly honest about real issues is hard. Sure everyone says they'll love you in the church if you're “confess your sins one to another,” but what they generally mean is only if you are a “sinner like me.” Sure I lie from time to time, get angry, but generally I'm a nice guy Christianity.
I call it lily white Christianity. Jesus called it “whitewashed tombs.” It is just so rare to hear true confession of sin. There are several reasons for this.
1) The fear of offense
One reason often given for a lack of honesty is a fear of offending others within the church. Usually this is the elderly or the children. What a horrific thought though that we are ultimately more concerned about keeping people “innocent” rather than righteous!
I know many parents worries about their kids hearing talk of sex, lust, suicide or any number of other issues when their peers are out having babies at 14 years old. Shelter your kids in the righteousness of Christ and not in the bliss of ignorance.
I remember when I openly admitted to the sin of homosexuality and several people asked me not to testify of God's deliverance in church because there were children present. I was one of those children years ago when I was molested and started having sexual experiences. Do you know how much I longed to hear someone else admit to such struggles of sin and pain?
Studies say one is four girls and one in eight boys are sexually assaulted. It is little different in the church. Should we really just stick our head in the sand and keep quiet or pretend that it should only be spoken of privately? No, we need the testimony of pain because only then can people really understand the testimony of deliverance in Christ!
Don't be afraid to offend. Be afraid of the pain of people who need to hear that there is hope beyond there sin.
2) We have special meetings for that!
This is related to the excuse that we don't want little ears to be exposed to certain things. Instead we just have men's meetings to talk about struggles with lust and women's meeting to talk about being overwhelmed and neither the tween shall meet.
I'm all for these special meetings and really love the men's meetings we often enjoy at my church. The challenge is this is not getting the message to those that need to hear it. The Christian brother or sister that is sin is not likely to attend such meetings and neither is the unbeliever who casual comes to a Sunday morning service, but they are the ones in real need of such testimonies of the grace of God!
It is in the raw honesty of sin and pain that we see the real glorious nature of work of forgiveness.
3) The world will hate it.
The world is going to always hate to the church, but when we start being real and open then we can actually be a witness.
What do they see when they the local body of believers? Do they see a group of sinners that are transformed to saints by the blood of Christ or just people that hide their faults as much as they hide behind the walls of the church building? Do the see broken people loving each other or pious rock throwers waiting for the next gay marriage protest?
If we want to affect the world then we need not be pretty or pious or look respectable. We need to be honest and broken and repentant.
We need to fall on our faces and cry out to a holy God. We need to truly “confess our sins one to another.”
We don't confess them as to say proudly “I was worse sinner than you were,” but to say “I was nothing but vile before Christ changed my heart. And even now as He works to make me like Himself I sin greatly and fight this flesh, but even in this in I m am His. Even though I lose small battles with my flesh day after day I know whose I am. I'm hear to tell you church, I'm hear to tell you world that Christ can save anybody He so chooses and I know this because He saved one as wicked as I.”
That is the testimony the world needs to hear. That is the testimony the Church needs to hear. Is it a testimony that you can give?
Have you rightly seen your sin and realized that you deserve God's wrath in Hell, and the the only hope you have is to repent and trust in Christ?
You nor are any better than the thief that was nailed next to Christ, and yet as he was welcomed into the Kingdom with his simple confession “Remember me when you enter your kingdom” and heard in response “Today you will be with me in Paradise” so may we all be welcomed.
There is a fountain filled with blood
drawn from Immanuel's veins
And sinners plunged beneath that flood
Lose all their guilty stains
The dying thief rejoiced to see
That fountain in his day;
And there may I, though vile as he
Wash all my sins away
Dear dying Lamb, thy precious blood
Shall never lose its power
Till all the ransomed church of God
Are saved, to sin no more
For since by faith I saw the stream
Thy flowing wounds supply
Redeeming love has been my theme
and shall be till I die
When this poor lisping,
stammering tongue
Lies silent in the grave
Then in a nobler, sweeter song
I'll sing thy power to save
For the church to be respected by the world it must be honest. It must be open that it is full of sinners and hypocrites that are there by the grace of God and not just because they're white suburbanites. The world may not like the church, but it should be able to look at and respect it.
For the church to simply be respectable it can continue to do what it is already doing. Folks should come in their nice clothes, sing a few slow hymns, smile and say hello, and then leave to take care of their lawns.
Unfortunately, I think we all have a tendency to lean toward being respectable rather than respected. It is just so much easier to look the part isn't it? What does it cost you? Maybe a couple hundred dollars for a nice suit.
But to truly be honest with the world about who you really are can cost you everything. To be open about your porn addiction (and not in just a “all guys struggle with lust” way), to be honest about your anger, or your pride, or your laziness, or gluttony, to be truly honest about real issues is hard. Sure everyone says they'll love you in the church if you're “confess your sins one to another,” but what they generally mean is only if you are a “sinner like me.” Sure I lie from time to time, get angry, but generally I'm a nice guy Christianity.
I call it lily white Christianity. Jesus called it “whitewashed tombs.” It is just so rare to hear true confession of sin. There are several reasons for this.
1) The fear of offense
One reason often given for a lack of honesty is a fear of offending others within the church. Usually this is the elderly or the children. What a horrific thought though that we are ultimately more concerned about keeping people “innocent” rather than righteous!
I know many parents worries about their kids hearing talk of sex, lust, suicide or any number of other issues when their peers are out having babies at 14 years old. Shelter your kids in the righteousness of Christ and not in the bliss of ignorance.
I remember when I openly admitted to the sin of homosexuality and several people asked me not to testify of God's deliverance in church because there were children present. I was one of those children years ago when I was molested and started having sexual experiences. Do you know how much I longed to hear someone else admit to such struggles of sin and pain?
Studies say one is four girls and one in eight boys are sexually assaulted. It is little different in the church. Should we really just stick our head in the sand and keep quiet or pretend that it should only be spoken of privately? No, we need the testimony of pain because only then can people really understand the testimony of deliverance in Christ!
Don't be afraid to offend. Be afraid of the pain of people who need to hear that there is hope beyond there sin.
2) We have special meetings for that!
This is related to the excuse that we don't want little ears to be exposed to certain things. Instead we just have men's meetings to talk about struggles with lust and women's meeting to talk about being overwhelmed and neither the tween shall meet.
I'm all for these special meetings and really love the men's meetings we often enjoy at my church. The challenge is this is not getting the message to those that need to hear it. The Christian brother or sister that is sin is not likely to attend such meetings and neither is the unbeliever who casual comes to a Sunday morning service, but they are the ones in real need of such testimonies of the grace of God!
It is in the raw honesty of sin and pain that we see the real glorious nature of work of forgiveness.
3) The world will hate it.
The world is going to always hate to the church, but when we start being real and open then we can actually be a witness.
What do they see when they the local body of believers? Do they see a group of sinners that are transformed to saints by the blood of Christ or just people that hide their faults as much as they hide behind the walls of the church building? Do the see broken people loving each other or pious rock throwers waiting for the next gay marriage protest?
If we want to affect the world then we need not be pretty or pious or look respectable. We need to be honest and broken and repentant.
We need to fall on our faces and cry out to a holy God. We need to truly “confess our sins one to another.”
We don't confess them as to say proudly “I was worse sinner than you were,” but to say “I was nothing but vile before Christ changed my heart. And even now as He works to make me like Himself I sin greatly and fight this flesh, but even in this in I m am His. Even though I lose small battles with my flesh day after day I know whose I am. I'm hear to tell you church, I'm hear to tell you world that Christ can save anybody He so chooses and I know this because He saved one as wicked as I.”
That is the testimony the world needs to hear. That is the testimony the Church needs to hear. Is it a testimony that you can give?
Have you rightly seen your sin and realized that you deserve God's wrath in Hell, and the the only hope you have is to repent and trust in Christ?
You nor are any better than the thief that was nailed next to Christ, and yet as he was welcomed into the Kingdom with his simple confession “Remember me when you enter your kingdom” and heard in response “Today you will be with me in Paradise” so may we all be welcomed.
There is a fountain filled with blood
drawn from Immanuel's veins
And sinners plunged beneath that flood
Lose all their guilty stains
The dying thief rejoiced to see
That fountain in his day;
And there may I, though vile as he
Wash all my sins away
Dear dying Lamb, thy precious blood
Shall never lose its power
Till all the ransomed church of God
Are saved, to sin no more
For since by faith I saw the stream
Thy flowing wounds supply
Redeeming love has been my theme
and shall be till I die
When this poor lisping,
stammering tongue
Lies silent in the grave
Then in a nobler, sweeter song
I'll sing thy power to save
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Rumors of God
I was a little disappointed when I received my latest book to review for Thomas Nelson's BookSneeze. I hadn't realized it was associated with Willow Creek. I'm not really against Willow Creek it is just that everything I've seen come out of there is seeker sensitive squishiness. So when I got “Rumors of God: Experience the Kind of Faith You've Only Heard About” by Darren Whitehead and Jon Tyson I wasn't really expecting much.
To top it off the back of the book has in all caps and bold letters, “Where is the life God promised us?” which of course leads me to expect prosperity gospel.
Well it actually turned out to be quite the opposite. Take, for example, this exert:
"Living in a consumer culture reverses the biblical vision: 'To live is gain and to die is Christ'. It is a quiet subversion of the meaning and purpose of our lives. Accumulate as much as you can. Build bigger barns, then take life easy - eat, drink, and be merry. After enjoying the benefits of indulgent living, when you die you go to be with Christ. The great tragedy of materialistic America is not financial abundance, but spiritual poverty."
I thought that was a great piece of wisdom.
There is a lot of wisdom in the book, but ultimately it is not very unique and unfortunately doesn't use Scripture to support it's arguments. David Platt's “Radical” was a better version of the same story.
Still if you really need the extra kick in the pants then pick up a copy.
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